Black Bass Lake Trail

Black Bass Lake Trail is a 1.8 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The trail is good for all skill levels offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

DISTANCE

1.8 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

141 feet

ROUTE TYPE

Loop

dogs on leash

kid friendly

fishing

hiking

mountain biking

trail running

walking

What a neat treasure so close to Eureka Springs. The easy terrain and distance make it perfect for children or other reluctant hikers in your group. The main trail is very clear and stream crossings have sturdy bridges. There are plenty of additional trails which branch off. The lake is surrounded by stunning bluffs and the same tall pine (?) trees that line highway 62 on your drive in. The parking area is just below the dam and there is room for several cars. A map of the park and it's trails are posted there. (There is one additional trail head on the road in with room for 1 car to park) There is an additional higher elevation parking area for handicap parking which puts you on the same level as the lake. The path on that side of the lake is wide and relatively flat. There is a picnic table next to the lake on that side about 5 or 10 minutes from the upper trail head.

If you are looking for something a bit more ambitious Lake Leatherwood is close by and larger. The dam at Leatherwood is also a bit more fun as you can actually walk across it. It does not have quite the same beautiful bluffs that Black Bass has however.

If you have an hour - choose Black Bass. If you have 3 hours choose Leatherwood. They are both great.

Ramona and I walked this last Sunday. The trails have been cleaned up, but like always we hauled out trash. We will be back. It is an easy walk and we enjoy the history of the little dam. The little waterfall is beautiful for pics. A little gem in town.

Brandon W.

Trail wasn't very clearly marked. It split off into other trails and you didn't even realize you were going off trail. Beautiful scenery, though!! No place to park. We saw the trail head sign off oil springs road and just parked on the side of the gravel road. Probably not supposed to do that

We couldn't find this trailhead based on the directions on the app. We asked a local that told us about Oil Spring Road. Honestly, there's not a lot to see here but views of the lake, not sure that we'll be back.

Black Bass Lake is an early 21st century water supply lake... It actually has two dams, one is underwater and smaller than the second dam. If you are visiting Eureka Springs, this trail is absolutely a must see. Lots of great limestone overhangs, evidence of encampments from the 1890's, and great wooded views. There are some "pillar rocks" that can be climbed and they are completely flat on top. This is a short trail system with a few branches. It will connect to highway 62 over by the Quality Inn, but you can drive down to the dam as well.

I suggest you drive down Oil Springs Road and park at the dam, then walk back up the road and start at the Oil Springs Trailhead. Follow the trail and you can then go around the lake - you'll end up back at the dam.

Nice easy trail around the Black Bass Lake. There are other trails that split off of the main one and I would recommend following them if you have the time. One is the Oil Springs Trail, which actually starts back on the road entering the base of the lake. The only knock I have against it is the scattered tires and old vehicle parts that you run across going back deeper behind the lake. Other than that it is a very nice trail.